"We thank Kianz for his contributions to the club and wish him all the best with Fortuna Dusseldorf," Whitecaps head coach Carl Robinson. "This is a good opportunity for Kianz to continue his development both on and off the pitch. This move will also open a pathway for our young midfield players who are ready to compete for minutes."

The club said that Froese, 20, joined the Whitecaps residency program in September 2011 and signed a first-team contract in September 2014. He made 15 regular season appearances in just over two years, starting twice and scoring one goal.

Born in Havana, Cuba but raised in Brunkild, Manitoba, Froese has two senior international appearances for Canada.

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